First Step Charity Gala raises over $5K

Mark Wilkoff started First Step Charity with his wife Linda in 2017. - Stephen Roberts

Group helps Northern Peninsula residents with medical travel

First Step Charity just received another boost to its fundraising efforts.

The charity's second annual gala was held Saturday night, Nov 17 at the Grenfell Interpretation Centre in St. Anthony.

With some 50 people in attendance the event, which also included a silent auction, raised $5,400. Things brings the total raised in the past year to $45,000, including a $20,000 grant from the International Grenfell Association (IGA).

Mark and Linda Wilkoff started First Step Charity in 2017 to help people from the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula access health care.

The registered charity helps people pay for gasoline, meals, lodging and other expenses related to medical travel.

They also assist people by making them aware of other available resources.

Since Oct 2017, it has spent about $18,000 to assist 48 people with travel expenses.

Joe Donaghey entertained with classical guitar music during the First Step Charity Gala. — Stephen Roberts

Mark Wilkoff feels there is great reward in the work they're doing.

"I can have the worst day in the world and, yet, when I go to somebody's house to deliver them a reimbursement cheque for expenses they've had, to see the smile on their face and hear them say 'thank you', there's nothing like that," he told The Northern Pen.

For more information on First Step Charity, visit www.firststepcharity.com

Donations for the charity can be made by credit card or PayPal through the donation section of the website, by emailing charityfirststep@gmail.com, or by sending a cheque to First Step Charity, PO Box 144, St. Lunaire-Griquet NL A0K 2X0.